Elevated Crohn's Markers

by Janelle
(Baton Rouge, LA USA)

About 5 months ago I was told that markers in my blood were elevated for either Crohn's or UC. My mother has Crohn's and I initially visited the doctor for increasing right knee joint pain and neck pain. He tells me that it is almost inevitable that in the next year or two my symptoms will worsen, and I will develop one of the two diseases. I am so discouraged right now. My colonoscopy and small bowel follow thru was negative. I have flare-ups of fatigue and rheumatoid symptoms every month. What do I do? Can I prevent or postpone the onset of Crohn's?

Comments for Elevated Crohn's Markers

I am really sorry to hear that you are having so many problems with your health. It must be a frustrating time for you. The problem with Crohn's disease is that it can take a long time for a correct diagnosis to be made. My own mother was diagnosed initially with Colitis but actually had Crohn's.

In fairness, the symptoms for Crohn's disease can mimic others too which is why it can be very difficult to fully diagnose. Certainly joint pain is one factor and fatigue is another well-known symptom.

Crohn's is an aggressive disease and it has the power to change your life and health substantially. Fortunately the disease can wane and subside into a series of flare-ups often years apart, so there is hope for a more normal life. There is no known cure yet though for this disease.

You can however keep a food diary and see whether any of the foods that you eat are acting as triggers. Spicy foods, dairy products, and essentially any hard to digests food can cause problems. You should also eliminate alcohol and stop smoking if you do, as these can really make the condition become aggressive.

Stress is another factor. If you have any external concerns that are working to pull your health down, they may well be effecting your immune system too. Eliminate stress wherever possible and you might well find that you feel a little better. Try relaxation techniques and meditate when possible as this can help to still any anxieties. So there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms but if it is Crohn's disease, you cannot cure it.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck. Do let us know how you get on.